In 2019, more than 5000 motorcyclists died in motorcycle accidents. While many people might idealize riding a motorcycle, doing so comes with unique challenges as well as a great responsibility. For a number of reasons, being a motorcyclist takes a lot more skill, time, dedication, and attention than hopping in your car and heading to the store.
That being said, there's a reason that people love riding motorcycles. The sense of freedom, flexibility, and yes, speed, can be invigorating. However, it's essential that anyone who wants to ride a motorcycle takes the challenges for motorcycles very seriously.
The last thing you want is to end up in a motorcycle crash and have to search for a motorcycle accident lawyer. By understanding motorcycle dangers, you can keep yourself safer on the road.
Let's take a look at some of the unique challenges that motorcycles face when compared to cars to help you stay as safe as possible on the road.
Dangerous Blind Spots
One of the issues that are unique to motorcyclists is the fact that other drivers aren't necessarily looking out for motorcyclists in their blind spots. While most drivers are aware that there could be another vehicle in their blind spot, many aren't used to looking for motorcycles, which are much smaller.
Even if a motorcycle isn't in a blindspot, vehicle drivers still might not see them due to other visual obstructions. Whether hidden behind a bush, a sign, a fence, or something else entirely, the small footprint of motorcyclists makes them easy to miss when drivers aren't fully paying attention.
Lack of Protection
Another one of the major challenges for motorcycles is how susceptible riders are to serious injury. Roughly half of fatal motorcycle accidents involved at least one other vehicle. Motorcyclists are much more likely to be seriously injured or die when in an accident with another vehicle because they are so exposed and unprotected.
For this reason, it's essential that motorcyclists take extra precautions, maintain their bikes, and always stay aware while riding.
Issues With Depth Perception
One motorcycle problem that many people don't think about is that depth perception can also cause issues on the road. Because motorcycles are so much smaller than regular cars, it can be hard for other drivers to understand exactly how far away a bike is as well as how fast it's traveling.
What this means is that motorcyclists need to assume that other cars might misjudge how far away they are and how fast they're going. When driving down busy roadways where there are people turning on and off the road, it's essential to stay engaged and ready to slow down if someone pulls out in front of you.
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Drivers That Don't Share the Road
Unfortunately, some drivers aren't very willing to share the road with motorcyclists. This increases the likelihood of an accident occurring. For this reason, it's essential to keep an eye out for these vehicles and avoid them when you're out on the road.
Debris Collection
Motorcycles can collect dirt and debris in a way that can be much more damaging to the machine than for an automobile. Essential parts of your motorcycle can get clogged by debris and dirt, which can impact how the bike runs. This means that regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for motorcyclists, more so than for vehicle owners.
Road Hazards
When you're riding a motorcycle, a pothole that you wouldn't even notice in a car can become a big obstacle. Similarly, small objects like gravel or debris can lead to motorcycle accidents while a regular car might roll right over them.
Misalignment
Another potential cause of a motorcycle crash is if the tires are misaligned. When this is the case, it can cause your bike to wobble. This is particularly true when you reach higher speeds.
If your tires are misaligned, it's easier to lose control of your bike. In order to avoid motorcycle dangers of this sort, you'll need to regularly maintain and check your motorcycle.
Riding Skills
When you compare the skills required for driving a motorcycle and a regular passenger car, it becomes abundantly clear that riding a motorcycle requires much more skill than your standard vehicle. This means that motorcyclists need to take their skill acquisition very seriously, and always be working to improve their abilities on the road.
Two Wheel Design
Because motorcycles only have two wheels rather than four, they are much more susceptible to hazards that can pop up on the road. Things that wouldn't be dangerous at all in a car can become the potential cause of motorcycle accidents, such as puddles, potholes, and railroad tracks.
Are You Looking for a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you've been involved in a motorcycle crash, it is highly advisable that you seek a motorcycle accident lawyer to help protect your rights and assist you in navigating the legal process.
When you hire the Oakland motorcycle accident attorneys at Kerley Schaffer LLP, you don't have to pay a dime until we win your case. It's our focus to make sure that you aren't taken advantage of by another attorney or an insurance company.
Even if you're a vigilant and attentive motorcycle rider, sometimes accidents happen that aren't your fault and that you simply can't avoid. If this happens to you, we're here to help. If you are looking for answers about your motorcycle accident and the potential for compensation, contact us today for a free consultation.